Residents Talk About Possible Fourth Avenue Upgrades

Last night we sat in on the first meeting of the traffic, transportation and safety committee of the Fourth Avenue Task Force, an initiative that’s “charged with directing the community-focused transformation of Fourth Avenue into a place that safely accommodates all road users.” About 20 people showed up, including Council member Steve Levin and representatives from the DOT. Residents expressed concerns about the avenue and offered suggestions for improving the thoroughfare. Some of the ideas bandied about last night included adding bike lanes, studying truck use and improving infrastructure while keeping the industrial waterfront accessible. A rep from Bay Ridge’s community board said “hot spots” for accidents in the neighborhood have already been identified. DOT reps talked about the stretch of the avenue from Sunset Park up to Atlantic Avenue, which is where the first safety improvements are likely to be implemented. At present only temporary changes can put into place—like banning certain turns—before capital improvements are made. There was also discussion of how Atlantic Yards might affect the avenue, and Council member Levin said that he’s heard reports that traffic changes that have already been put into place have increased congestion on the northernmost stretch of Fourth Avenue. Another participant added that the Whole Foods development will be another source of congestion in the future. If you missed last night’s meeting, you can attend the town hall meeting scheduled for tonight, which will have more of a focus on possible aesthetic improvements for the avenue, such as landscaping.